Grand Coteau hands out raises, discusses budget

The Grand Coteau board of aldermen introduced an ordinance to the amended 2016 budget and the proposed 2017 budget Tuesday, prompting heated discussions on topics such as a pay increase for city workers and a salary increase for the town's supervisor.

"You did a good job adhering to the budget," Scruggins told the board. "The town as a whole, did better than what was budgeted by about $130,000."

Scruggins said one of the largest reasons for the town's success was that no money was spent on a new police office building that was in the budget for 2016.

Scruggins went over each amendment to the 2016 budget with the board.

She said the utility revenues were amended to $519,139 after the original budget projected about $613,000. Scruggins said the milder winter for the gas department aided in the decrease in the utility revenues.

The utility expenses were amended to about $508,000 after a projected $593,110. According to the documents provided at the meeting, the general fund had an increase of about $26,000 in revenues and a reduction of $107,000 in expenses.

Scruggins said the town's sales tax revenues eclipsed projections of $260,000. The projected year-to-date figure was around $282,000.

One of the main revenue sources for the town has been fines collected by the police department. According to the amended figures for the 2016 budget, the town is expected to collect about $417,000 in fines.

Proposed 2017 budget

The proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, included a possible $2 hourly raise for all city employees, excluding elected officials. Scruggins advised the board that if the proposed budget was accepted, the town would be operating in a deficit of more than $30,000.

The proposed budget anticipates the town will receive about $802,000 in revenues, on par with the 2016 budget.

Town workers in attendance argued that a raise had not been given in three years and it was time for substantial compensation.

"When you have people who are dedicated, I think you have a responsibility to take care of those people," said Brenda Dugas, assistant town clerk. "I left my vacation time to come here and save this town."

Dugas was referring to July 2015 when then Mayor Virginia Pierre resigned, along with the town clerk. Shaterral Johnson served as interim Mayor for several months before she was elected unopposed in October.

"The state as a whole is going through a tough time," said Alderman Brandon Miller. "If we go with the proposed budget, we would be operating in a deficit."

Johnson proposed giving the employees a $1 per hour raise, which was met with approval from some of the workers in attendance. Alderman Derrick Guidry agreed with Johnson on the $1 raise.

After more discussion, Miller made a motion to offer the workers a 7.5 percent increase in pay for the year.

"It's not about worth," said Alderwoman Janice Fox. "We have to be responsible for the town and its growth. We're looking at expanding our corporation limits to grow. It's not about 'we don't like you,' it's what can we afford. We have to put priorities together."

The board voted 3-1 in favor of the 7.5 percent increase, with Guidry being the lone "no" vote. Alderwoman Jessica Marcel was absent.

"We can't give you all the money back right now," Alderwoman Danielle Belson said. "Work with us and lets us do the 7.5 percent and then we'll go from there."

Town Supervisor Pay

Johnson broke the tie of a 2-2 vote, allowing Town Supervisor David Nevills to receive $3,000 in addition to his salary in the upcoming fiscal year. Miller and Guidry voted yes. Belson and Fox voted no.

Nevills was requesting back pay from the council in the amount of about $7,800 to reimburse him after his salary was cut last year in a move to help balance the budget. Fox said the town clerk's salary was also cut.

Nevills said his salary was cut $3 per hour and he missed out on the $7,800.

"In July of last year, my salary was cut and it made me the lowest paid supervisor in the parish," Nevills said. "I've been working for Grand Coteau for 12 years. I don't think anyone would want their salary cut."

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved to raise Nevill's salary back to $40,000 per year, where it was before the pay cut. Nevill's salary will be $43,000 for the fiscal year ending in 2017, because of the $3,000 in back pay, then his salary will go back down to $40,000 per year.

There will be a public hearing on the budget issues 5:45 p.m. June 14 at the town hall, before a meeting begins to introduce the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.